Montenegro agricultural agency reports over 90% IPARD fund utilization

Marko Radonjić, director of the Agency for Payments in Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, reported that over 90 percent of IPARD funds were utilized last year. He noted that no funds were returned to the European Union budget.

In its first nine months of operation, the Agency has focused on establishing systems for direct payments and preparing Montenegro for more efficient use of European funds as the country moves toward EU accession. Radonjić stated that the Agency has exceeded expectations by implementing systems and showing results on the ground, which have been supported by European Commission monitoring.

The next two years are considered critical for the Agency to demonstrate its capacity to manage larger volumes of EU funds and to ensure staff are sufficiently trained to meet European standards. The Agency is currently drawing on expertise from Croatia, Slovenia, and the European Commission to meet these requirements.